Marines


Biography

 

Colonel Josh Izenour
Assistant Wing Commander
4th Marine Aircraft Wing

Colonel Izenour graduated from Kent State University in 1996, was commissioned and completed the Basic School in Quantico, Virginia in 1997.   He was designated as a Naval Aviator in 1999 and reported to VMGRT-253, Cherry Point, NC for initial KC-130 flight training where he was assigned to the newly formed KC-130J Fleet Introduction Team. Upon completion of KC-130 training in August 2000, Colonel Izenour transferred to VMGR-252 where he deployed in support of the 22nd, 24th and 26th Marine Expeditionary Units in Iraq, Afghanistan and Djibouti. 

Upon returning from 26th MEU deployment in 2004, Colonel Izenour was assigned to VMGRT-253 as a Fleet Replacement Instructor Pilot, training initial, refresher and conversion pilots in the KC-130. He served as the Aircrew Training Officer, Assistant Operations Officer and Operations Officer until VMGRT-253’s sundown in October 2006.

In December 2006, Colonel Izenour left active duty, joining the Individual Ready Reserve. During this time, he joined NAVAIR as a contract pilot conducting flight test and aerial refueling support missions for VX-20, NASA and various foreign military customers.

In 2013, Colonel Izenour joined VMGR-452 where he initially served as Assistant Operations Officer, Aircraft Maintenance Officer, and Executive Officer deploying in support of Marine Aircraft Group 50 in Bahrain. He then assumed the duties of Commanding Officer in March 2017 where he also served as the KC-130T Program Manager, NATOPS Instructor and Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor.

In May 2019, Colonel Izenour assumed the duties of MAG-49 Executive Officer and subsequently was selected and attended National War College.  Upon graduation, Colonel Izenour was assigned to Marine Forces Cyber Command as the Director of the Littoral Operations Cyber Cell.

In October 2022, Colonel Izenour assumed his current billet as Senior Reserve Advisor and Deputy Group Commander, MAG-49.

Colonel Izenour has a degree in Applied Mathematics and has competed the Senior Maintenance Officer Course, Crew Resource Management Instructor Course, the USAF Advanced Airlift and Tactics Training Course, Marine Command and Staff Course, National War College, and the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School Flying Qualities Short Course and Systems Courses. His awards include, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal Strike/Flight (3), Individual Air Medal with Bronze Star for first Award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal.